MIllion Dollar Quartet

Well, it was worth the 3 year wait. Since moving to Chicago I have been champing at the bit to see this musical. Mostly because I have a bit of a crush on Johnny Cash(well, on Joaquin Phoenix playing Johnny Cash, but the music is the same mostly). My newest Schtick is ushering at the theatres in town. It works for us poor folk who would love to see shows but also like to eat 3 square meals a day and keep our electricity on. Anyhoo, after working for 10 hours on the slowest day imaginable, I hoofed on over to the Apollo theatre to begin my night ushering duties. The biggest and most pleasant surprise was the character of Jerry Lee Lewis, played by Lance Lipinsky. He is phenomenal. His mannerisms as the eccentric trail blazing piano player is a sight to be seen. I found myself drawn to watching him react to the other characters on stage and getting totally swept up in the magic of his musical genius. The entire ensemble was amazing. I just wanted to mention this in case I'm making it sound like a one-note show. Brandon Bennett as Elvis is authentic without being overdone. He nails the king's signature dance moves with ease. Chris Damiano's voice as the incomparable Johnny Cash gave new breath to those baritone notes that we know so well. And Shaun Whitley shone as the under-appreciated but kick-ass rockabilly, guitar playing Carl Perkins. The entire ensemble cast is amazing as well. It includes a smooth talking record label exec, an agile bass player and energetic drummer, and a soulful broad who gives Elvis a run for his money. So, maybe you should see this show, is all I'm saying.